Understanding the role of institutional intermediaries in the emergence of the circular economy

This chapter investigates the process of institutional field formation of circular economy (CE), by looking at how rulemaking and taking emerge in ‘contracts’ necessarily for supporting circular business. In this process, it focuses on the role of institutional intermediaries and thus use the literature on institutional field formation and the role of institutional intermediaries in that process for theoretical guidance. CE entails profound institutional processes to foster socio-economic transitions beyond business strategies and practices. The chapter theorizes about the emergence and formation of CE as institutional field and focuses on the role of institutional intermediaries through a qualitative case study approach. It then presents how circular value proposition elements and professional regulatory principles, ostensibly at odds with one another, are reconciled to make CE business activities feasible. Based on this evidence and analysis, the chapter presents findings on the role of the intermediary in the process of rulemaking and taking, and the formation of a regulatory landscape for CE.